The Note's Must-Reads for Thursday November 25th, 2010

CONGRESS The Wall Street Journal’s Kevin Bravin: “ If You Must Discuss Politics During The Turkey…” For Democrats, the only thing worse than the shellacking the party suffered Nov. 2 might be the brickbats from relatives of the Republican persuasion during the traditional family congress on Thanksgiving Day. LINK

USA Today’s John Fritze: “ House GOP won’t ease members’ travel rules” The Republican majority taking over the House of Representatives next year expects to keep in place rules that restrict lawmakers from taking far-flung trips on a private company's tab, a spokesman for incoming GOP Speaker John Boehner said. LINK

The New York Times’ Helene Cooper and Martin Fackler: “ White House Seeks Chinese Help With N. Korea” The Obama administration on Wednesday began a broad effort to enlist China to help rein in North Korea in the wake of its deadly attack Tuesday on South Korea. LINK

GOP The Los Angeles Times’ Tom Hamburger: “ Norm Coleman says he’d seek RNC chair if Michael Steele bows out” Former Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman says he would be interested in chairing the Republican National Committee only if Michael Steele decides not to seek a second term. LINK

Politico’s John Bresnahan and Richard E. Cohen: “ The Hammer comes down: DeLay convicted” Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) was convicted late Wednesday in a state money laundering case, the latest stunning development in a years-long battle over his role in the 2002 Lone Star State legislative races. LINK

Boston Globe: “ Elder Bush praises Romney” Former President George H.W. Bush has offered Mitt Romney what some might consider an informal endorsement, saying he thinks the former Massachusetts governor would be “a very good president.’’ LINK

OTHER: The Washington Post’s Robert Barnes and Jeffrey Smith: “ DeLay convicted of money-laundering charges in campaign finance scheme” Former House majority leaderTom DeLay, the Texan architect of Republican power in Congress, was convicted Wednesday of illegally plotting to funnel corporate contributions to home-state legislative candidates in 2002. LINK The Hill’s Sara Jerome: “ Squatters snatch up domain names for possible Palin presidential run” Sarah Palin will need to shell out some cash if she wants youbetcha2012.com on yard signs during the next presidential campaign. Or, for that matter, sarah2012.com, spalin2012.com, or mamabear2012. LINK The Washington Times’ Jerry Seper: “ DEA shuts down ‘fake pot’ products” The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has temporarily shut down access to five chemicals used to produce “fake pot” products now being marketed in stores and online, making the possession and sale of the chemicals or the products that contain them illegal in the U.S. for at least a year. LINK The New York Daily News’ Meena Hartenstein: “ ’Dancing with the Stars’ Season 12 could star Christine O’Donnell if Sarah Palin has her say: report” The much-mocked Tea Party darling who was trounced in her bid for the Delaware Senate earlier this month is rumored to be under consideration for a spot on the next season of “Dancing with the Stars,” thanks to some behind-the-scenes help from Sarah Palin. LINK